The Outcast of Redwall's Book Journal

YA dystopia is my wheelhouse. I am fascinated by royalty.

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Comic Book Haul for February 2021

Buffy the Vampire Slayer #22

Star Wars: The High Republic #2

Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures #1

Strange Academy #8

Star Wars #11

Darth Vader #10

Black Widow #5

Champions #4

Spider-Woman #9

Captain Marvel #26

Magnificent Ms. Marvel #18

The Union #3

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Book Haul for February 2021

The Black Kids by Christina Hammonds Reed

Banished by Lauren Drain

Up and Down Stairs: The History of the Country House Servant by Jeremy Musson

Star Wars: The High Republic: Into the Dark by Claudia Grey

Ground Zero by Alan Gratz

Courtney: Friendship Superhero by Kellen Hertz

Traitor to the Throne by Alwyn Hamilton

Hero at the Fall by Alwyn Hamilton

The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna

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Comic Book Haul for January 2021

Buffy the Vampire Slayer #21

Star Wars: The High Republic #1

Star Wars #10

Spider-Woman #8

Darth Vader #9

The Union #2

Doctor Aphra #7

Captain Marvel #25

Strange Academy #7

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Book Haul for January 2021

Star Wars: Women of the Galaxy by Amy Ratcliffe

Star Wars: The High Republic: Light of the Jedi by Charles Soule

Star Wars: The High Republic: A Test of Courage by Justina Ireland

Educated by Tara Westover

Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade

Hiding in Plain Sight by Sarah Kendzior

Lore by Alexandra Braken

Bring the War Home by Kathleen Bolew

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Star Wars: Thrawn: Alliances

Title: Star Wars: Thrawn: Treason

Author: Timothy Zahn

Publisher: Del Rey 2019

Number of Pages: 320(K)

Read: 10/27-11/19/20

Rating: 4 Stars

Synopsis: “If I were to serve the Empire, you would command my allegiance.”

Such was the promise Grand Admiral Thrawn made to Emperor Palpatine at their first meeting. Since then, Thrawn has been one of the Empire’s most effective instruments, pursuing its enemies to the very edges of the known galaxy. But as keen a weapon as Thrawn has become, the Emperor dreams of something far more destructive.

Now, as Thrawn’s TIE defender program is halted in favor of Director Krennic’s secret Death Star project, he realizes that the balance of power in the Empire is measured by more than just military acumen or tactical efficiency. Even the greatest intellect can hardly compete with the power to annihilate entire planets. 

As Thrawn works to secure his place in the Imperial hierarchy, his former protégé Eli Vanto returns with a dire warning about Thrawn’s homeworld. Thrawn’s mastery of strategy must guide him through an impossible choice: duty to the Chiss Ascendancy, or fealty to the Empire he has sworn to serve. Even if the right choice means committing treason.

Review: Takes place 0BBY—weeks after Thrawn: Alliances and just before the series finale of Star Wars: Rebels. 

Treason! Treason everywhere! This one was good, tho I liked Alliances better. Glad to see Eli Vanto again. I hope we see more of Faro in other books. I did enjoy Ronan’s confusion over Thrawn being a good commander. Loved to see Krennic and his fabulous cape again.

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Anne Boleyn, a King’s Obsession

Title: Anne Boleyn, a King’s Obsession

Author: Alison Weir

Publisher: Ballantine Books 2017

Number of Pages: 544(K)

Read: 10/11-26/20

Rating: 4 Stars

Synopsis: Born into a noble English family, Anne is barely a teenager when she is sent from her family’s Hever Castle to serve at the royal court of the Netherlands. This strategic move on the part of her opportunistic father also becomes a chance for the girl to grow and discover herself. There, and later in France, Anne thrives, preferring to absorb the works of progressive writers rather than participate in courtly flirtations. She also begins to understand the inequalities and indignities suffered by her gender.

Anne isn’t completely inured to the longings of the heart, but her powerful family has ambitious plans for her future that override any wishes of her own. When the King of England himself, Henry VIII, asks Anne to be his mistress, she spurns his advances—reminding him that he is a married man who has already conducted an affair with her sister, Mary. Anne’s rejection only intensifies Henry’s pursuit, but in the absence of a male heir—and given an aging Queen Katherine—the opportunity to elevate and protect the Boleyn family, and to exact vengeance on her envious detractors, is too tempting for Anne to resist, even as it proves to be her undoing. 

While history tells of how Anne Boleyn died, this compelling new novel reveals how fully she lived.

Review: The second in Alison Weir’s Six Wives series. I like this Anne. She has more agency than in other books. Weir writing about Anne not being attracted to Henry was an interesting way to go. George killing Katherine of Aragon was a great twist. I wasn’t a fan of Anne’s attitude towards Elizabeth because in real life Anne did love her daughter, even wanting to breastfeed her, which wasn’t done among aristocratic women back then. Excellent book and I’m looking forward to Jane Seymour’s!

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Rage

Title: Rage

Author: Bob Woodward

Publisher: Simon and Schuster 2020

Number of Pages: 480(K)

Read: 9/17-10/7/20

Rating: 4 Stars

Synopsis: Woodward, the #1 international bestselling author of Fear: Trump in the White House, has uncovered the precise moment the president was warned that the Covid-19 epidemic would be the biggest national security threat to his presidency. In dramatic detail, Woodward takes readers into the Oval Office as Trump’s head pops up when he is told in January 2020 that the pandemic could reach the scale of the 1918 Spanish Flu that killed 675,000 Americans.

In 17 on-the-record interviews with Woodward over seven volatile months—an utterly vivid window into Trump’s mind—the president provides a self-portrait that is part denial and part combative interchange mixed with surprising moments of doubt as he glimpses the perils in the presidency and what he calls the “dynamite behind every door.”

At key decision points, Rage shows how Trump’s responses to the crises of 2020 were rooted in the instincts, habits and style he developed during his first three years as president.

Revisiting the earliest days of the Trump presidency, Rage reveals how Secretary of Defense James Mattis, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats struggled to keep the country safe as the president dismantled any semblance of collegial national security decision making.

Rage draws from hundreds of hours of interviews with firsthand witnesses as well as participants’ notes, emails, diaries, calendars and confidential documents.

Woodward obtained 25 never-seen personal letters exchanged between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who describes the bond between the two leaders as out of a “fantasy film.”

Trump insists to Woodward he will triumph over Covid-19 and the economic calamity. “Don’t worry about it, Bob. Okay?” Trump told the author in July. “Don’t worry about it. We’ll get to do another book. You’ll find I was right.”

Review: I’m glad to read a Trump book that finally gets away from the Mueller investigation. The moron went on the record, taped, with Bob MotherFucking Woodward, revealing things I’d already figured—that Trump deliberately decided to downplay the coronavirus. As Woodward concluded, Trump is wholly unfit for this job. This book was excellent, but I’m glad I don’t have to read another book about 45 ever again.

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Star Wars: Thrawn: Alliances

Title: Star Wars: Thrawn: Alliances

Author: Timothy Zahn

Publisher: Del Rey 2018

Number of Pages: 320(K)

Read: 9/3-30/20

Rating: 4 Stars

Synopsis: “I have sensed a disturbance in the Force.” 

Ominous words under any circumstances, but all the more so when uttered by Emperor Palpatine. On Batuu, at the edges of the Unknown Regions, a threat to the Empire is taking root—its existence little more than a glimmer, its consequences as yet unknowable. But it is troubling enough to the Imperial leader to warrant investigation by his most powerful agents: ruthless enforcer Lord Darth Vader and brilliant strategist Grand Admiral Thrawn. Fierce rivals for the emperor’s favor, and outspoken adversaries on Imperial affairs—including the Death Star project—the formidable pair seem unlikely partners for such a crucial mission. But the Emperor knows it’s not the first time Vader and Thrawn have joined forces. And there’s more behind his royal command than either man suspects.

In what seems like a lifetime ago, General Anakin Skywalker of the Galactic Republic, and Commander Mitth’raw’nuruodo, officer of the Chiss Ascendancy, crossed paths for the first time. One on a desperate personal quest, the other with motives unknown . . . and undisclosed. But facing a gauntlet of dangers on a far-flung world, they forged an uneasy alliance—neither remotely aware of what their futures held in store.

Now, thrust together once more, they find themselves bound again for the planet where they once fought side by side. There they will be doubly challenged—by a test of their allegiance to the Empire . . . and an enemy that threatens even their combined might.

Star Wars Trivia: Past: 19BBY; 2-0BBY

Review: An adventure with Anakin and Thrawn is something I didn’t know I needed. And I’ve always wanted to see Thrawn and Vader interact. This is one of the books Disney used to promote their Star Wars park, but otherwise I enjoyed it. I also liked the way is ended. It felt like the end of a play.

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Katherine of Aragon, the True Queen

Title: Katherine of Aragon, the True Queen

Author: Alison Weir

Publisher: Ballantine Books 2016

Number of Pages: 625(K)

Read: 8/26-9/3/20

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Synopsis: A princess of Spain, Catalina is only sixteen years old when she sets foot on the shores of England. The youngest daughter of the powerful monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella, Catalina is a coveted prize for a royal marriage—and Arthur, Prince of Wales, and heir to the English throne, has won her hand. But tragedy strikes and Catalina, now Princess Katherine, is betrothed to the future Henry VIII. She must wait for his coming-of-age, an ordeal that tests her resolve, casts doubt on her trusted confidantes, and turns her into a virtual prisoner.

Katherine’s patience is rewarded when she becomes Queen of England. The affection between Katherine and Henry is genuine, but forces beyond her control threaten to rend her marriage, and indeed the nation, apart. Henry has fallen under the spell of Katherine’s maid of honor, Anne Boleyn. Now Katherine must be prepared to fight, to the end if God wills it, for her faith, her legitimacy, and her heart.

Review: I love Alison Weir and especially her fiction. This is the first book in her Six Wives of Henry VIII series. I enjoyed Katherine’s story from her POV. I did find her not knowing about Henry and Anne a little unrealistic, but otherwise this was a great start to the series.

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Perfected

Title: Perfected

Author: Kate Jarvik Birch

Publisher: Entangled 

Number of Pages: 304(K)

Read: 8/18-25/20

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Synopsis: Perfection comes at a price.

As soon as the government passed legislation allowing humans to be genetically engineered and sold as pets, the rich and powerful rushed to own beautiful girls like Ella. Trained from birth to be graceful, demure, and above all, perfect, these "family companions" enter their masters' homes prepared to live a life of idle luxury.

Ella is happy with her new role as playmate for a congressman's bubbly young daughter, but she doesn't expect Penn, the congressman's handsome and rebellious son. He's the only person who sees beyond the perfect exterior to the girl within. Falling for him goes against every rule she knows…and the freedom she finds with him is intoxicating.

But when Ella is kidnapped and thrust into the dark underworld lurking beneath her pampered life, she's faced with an unthinkable choice. Because the only thing more dangerous than staying with Penn's family is leaving…and if she's unsuccessful, she'll face a fate far worse than death.

Review: This was fine, though I wish it fleshed out the world more. I liked the premise, but it was too short.

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Enchantee

Title: Enchantee

Author: Gita Trelease

Publisher: Flatiron Books 2019

Number of Pages: 451(K)

Read: 8/13-18/20

Rating: 4 Stars

Synopsis: Paris is a labyrinth of twisted streets filled with beggars and thieves, revolutionaries and magicians. Camille Durbonne is one of them. She wishes she weren’t...

When smallpox kills her parents, Camille must find a way to provide for her younger sister while managing her volatile brother. Relying on magic, Camille painstakingly transforms scraps of metal into money to buy food and medicine they need. But when the coins won’t hold their shape and her brother disappears with the family’s savings, Camille pursues a richer, more dangerous mark: the glittering court of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.

Using dark magic forbidden by her mother, Camille transforms herself into a baroness and is swept up into life at the Palace of Versailles, where aristocrats both fear and hunger for magic. As she struggles to reconcile her resentment of the rich with the allure of glamour and excess, Camille meets a handsome young inventor, and begins to believe that love and liberty may both be possible.

But magic has its costs, and soon Camille loses control of her secrets. And when revolution erupts, Camille must choose—love or loyalty, democracy or aristocracy, reality or magic—before Paris burns.

Review: I started this last year, then stopped, but I’m glad I got back to it. Finally—a book set in the French Revolution that ends happily! I enjoyed the whole book, especially the magicians enchanting Versailles. That was a nice touch. And I love the angst of “he’s the thing she despises and he hates the thing she secretly is”. SO good. Enchantee wrapped itself up, but I am intrigued for the sequel.

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My Calamity Jane

Title: My Calamity Jane

Author: Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, Jodi Meadows

Publisher: HarperTeen 2020

Number of Pages: 512(P)

Read: 6/7-8/13/20

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Synopsis: Welcome to 1876 America, a place bursting with gunslingers, outlaws, and garou—better known as werewolves.

And where there are garou, there’re hunters: the one and only Calamity Jane, to be precise, along with her fellow stars of Wild Bill’s Traveling Show, Annie Oakley and Frank “the Pistol Prince” Butler.

After a garou hunt goes south and Jane finds a suspicious-like bite on her arm, she turns tail for Deadwood, where there’s talk of a garou cure. But rumors can be deceiving—meaning the gang better hightail it after her before they’re a day late and a Jane short.

In this perfect next read for fans of A Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue, bestselling authors Cynthia Hand, Jodi Meadows, and Brodi Ashton bring their signature spark to the side-splittin’, whopper-filled (but actually kind of factual?) tale of Calamity Jane.

Review: Ah! Another wonderful installment of the Janes series! This one with werewolves!  This Jane falls for a woman. I think Annie Oakley was my favorite character in the whole book. I love this series and can’t wait for the Marys!

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Solo: A Star Wars Story, Expanded Edition

Title: Solo: A Star Wars Story, Expanded Ed.

Author: Mur Lafferty

Publisher: Del Rey 2018

Number of Pages: 285 (K)

Read: 5/28-6/7/20

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Synopsis: Though Han Solo has thrilled Star Wars fans for decades, the notorious wisecracking scoundrel was chasing adventure and dodging trouble long before he walked into the cantina at Mos Eisley spaceport. 

Young Han dreams of someday soaring into space at the helm of his own starship and leaving his home, the gritty industrial planet Corellia, far behind. But as long as he’s trapped in a life of poverty and crime—and under the thumb of the sinister Lady Proxima and her brutal street gang—reaching the distant stars seems impossible. When Han tries to escape with his girlfriend and partner-in-crime, Qi’ra, he makes it out—but she doesn’t. Desperate for a way to find his own offworld vessel and free her, Han enlists in the Imperial Navy—the last place for a rebellious loner who doesn’t play well with others.

When the Empire clips his wings, Han goes rogue and plunges into the shady world of smugglers, gamblers, and con artists. There he meets the charming and cunning high roller Lando Calrissian, makes an unlikely friend in a cantankerous Wookiee called Chewbacca, and first lays eyes on the Millennium Falcon. To snag his piece of the outlaw pie, Han joins a crew of pirates to pull off a risky heist. The stakes are high, the danger is great, and the odds are slim. But never tell Han Solo the odds.

Star Wars Trivia: Takes place 13-10BBY

Han is 19-22

Luke & Leia are 6-9

Cassian is 13-16

Jyn is 8-11

Review: I loved Solo: A Star Wars Story and I loved this book. I do love novelizations that include deleted scenes and other tidbits from the movie. I hope we see Qi’ra again.

This is not a commentary on the book, just Star Wars stuff:

Kessel’s a planet, not an asteroid, as in the EU. 

Is Chewie’s lifedebt not a thing?That sucks?

Wish the Maw was the Maw of the EU: a cluster of black holes, not one big one.

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The Guinevere Deception

Title: The Guinevere Deception 

Author: Kiersten White

Publisher: Delacorte Press 2019

Number of Pages: 342 (K)

Read: 5/21-27/20

Rating: 5 Stars

Synopsis: Princess Guinevere has come to Camelot to wed a stranger: the charismatic King Arthur. With magic clawing at the kingdom's borders, the great wizard Merlin conjured a solution--send in Guinevere to be Arthur's wife . . . and his protector from those who want to see the young king's idyllic city fail. The catch? Guinevere's real name--and her true identity--is a secret. She is a changeling, a girl who has given up everything to protect Camelot. 

To keep Arthur safe, Guinevere must navigate a court in which the old--including Arthur's own family--demand things continue as they have been, and the new--those drawn by the dream of Camelot--fight for a better way to live. And always, in the green hearts of forests and the black depths of lakes, magic lies in wait to reclaim the land. 

Deadly jousts, duplicitous knights, and forbidden romances are nothing compared to the greatest threat of all: the girl with the long black hair, riding on horseback through the dark woods toward Arthur. Because when your whole existence is a lie, how can you trust even yourself?

Review: This was a fun twist on the story of King Arthur! I liked following Guinevere’s POV. The twist at the end I did NOT see coming! I’m looking forward to the next part of the trilogy.

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Star Wars: Most Wanted

Title: Star Wars: Most Wanted

Author: Rae Carson

Publisher: Disney Lucasfilm Publishing 2018

Number of Pages: 353 (K)

Read: 5/7-21/20

Rating: 4 Stars

Synopsis: Set before the events of Solo: A Star Wars Story! Han and Qi'ra don't have a lot in common other than not having a lot. They're street kids on the industrial planet Corellia, doing whatever it takes to get by, dreaming of something more. They each jump at a chance to prove themselves in the perilous world of Corellia's criminal underbelly, only to discover they are on the same mission for the same unscrupulous boss. When the job goes disastrously wrong, Han and Qi'ra are on the run--from pirates, a droid crime syndicate, the Empire, and their boss--and will have to learn to trust each other if they are going to survive.

Star Wars Trivia: Takes place ~13BBY.

Han is 18

Luke & Leia are 6

Cassian is 13

Jyn is 8—Galen Erso is captured this year.

Review: The Han Solo trilogy by A. C. Crispen is one of my favorites of the EU. Han’s past is a story I love to get into. As much as I love Han/Leia, I like Qi’ra a lot. The two of them going up against three criminal syndicates and figuring out what the hell was going on was great. I loved discovering Corellia and what the Empire did to it. This was a fun book.

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Star Wars: Adventures in Wild Space: The Dark

Title: Star Wars: Adventures in Wild Space: The Dark

Author: Tom Huddleston

Publisher: Disney Lucasfilm Publishing 2017

Number of Pages: 143 (K)

Read: 5/6/20

Rating: 4 Stars

Synopsis: In a galaxy far, far away... Milo and Lina are adrift on a starship that is spiralling towards disaster. A dangerous criminal is on the loose, the Empire is closing in - and something even deadlier awaits them in The Dark...

Review: A creepy bottle story involving cyborg spiders. Again, enjoyed the bad guy/good guy fake out. I wonder if Davin is related to Zeb.

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Star Wars: Adventures in Wild Space: The Heist

Title: Star Wars: Adventures in Wild Space: The Heist

Author: Cavan Scott

Publisher: Disney Lucasfilm 2017

Number of Pages: 144 (K)

Read: 5/3/20

Rating: 4 Stars

Synopsis: In the third book of this six book chapter book series, Milo and Lina track the mysterious transmission to the planet Lothal, hoping to find help against the Empire. But as Lina and Milo search for the source, they are unaware of the danger following them at every turn.

Review: I love the “good guy is actually the bad guy” trope. And of course they run into the Bridgers. I groaned to myself over the blatant calls to the shows, but whatever.